Return of the Leiden Plates to India
Context
During Prime Minister Narendra Modiās state visit to the Netherlands, Indian and Dutch leaders jointly facilitated the ceremonial return of the famed Anaimangalam copper plates, also referred to as the Leiden Plates, marking an important step in cultural restitution and heritage diplomacy.
Leiden Copper Plate Inscriptions
About the Leiden Copper Plate Inscriptions:
Nature and Purpose
The Chola copper plates were authoritative royal edicts issued by rulers of the Chola dynasty between the 9th and 13th centuries CE. Crafted on copper sheets linked through a sturdy metal ring bearing the royal insignia, these inscriptions functioned as permanent legal records documenting grants, tax privileges, temple donations, administrative orders, and dynastic achievements.
Historical Background of the Anaimangalam Plates
Initial Royal Grant
Between 985ā1014 CE, Emperor Raja Raja Chola I announced a grant involving agricultural land and nearly 8,943 kalam of paddy from Anaimangalam village near Nagapattinam for the support of a Buddhist establishment.
Connection with Southeast Asia
The beneficiary monastery, known as the Chudamani Vihara, was established by Sri Mara Vijayotunga Varman, ruler of the Srivijaya Empire in present-day Indonesia, as a tribute to his father. This reflects the extensive maritime and diplomatic relations maintained by the Cholas across Southeast Asia.
Formal Documentation
Although the grant originated under Raja Raja Chola I, the official copper charter was prepared during the reign of Rajendra Chola I. Additional provisions were later incorporated under Kulottunga Chola I after requests made by emissaries from Java.
Distinctive Features of Chola Copper Plate Records
Use of Multiple Languages
The inscriptions generally begin with royal genealogies in Sanskrit written using Grantha script, while practical administrative details such as land measurements, taxes, and grants are recorded in Tamil.
Imperial Emblem and Symbols
The copper plates are fastened with a bronze seal displaying important royal motifs, including:
- The Tiger symbolizing the Chola dynasty.
- Twin Fish representing the Pandyas.
- The Bow denoting the Cheras.
These symbols collectively conveyed Chola supremacy over rival kingdoms. Other ceremonial motifs included parasols, lamps, fly-whisks, auspicious signs, and royal titles.
Arrangement of the Leiden Collection
The Leiden archive is divided into two major groups:
- Major Set: 21 large copper plates containing Sanskrit and Tamil inscriptions associated with Rajendra Chola I.
- Supplementary Set: 3 smaller Tamil plates issued under Kulottunga Chola I mentioning an extra endowment of 4,500 kalam of paddy to the Buddhist sangha.
Detailed Administrative Documentation
The Tamil sections provide highly systematic descriptions of land boundaries, irrigation rights, tax exemptions, and responsibilities of village assemblies such as Sabha and Ur, demonstrating the advanced administrative framework of the Chola Empire.
Notable Chola Copper Plate Collections
Anaimangalam (Leiden) Plates
These inscriptions illustrate religious tolerance and overseas diplomacy by recording the patronage extended by a Shaivite Chola ruler to a Buddhist monastery linked to Southeast Asia.
Karandai Copper Plates
Issued during Rajendra Chola Iās reign, these extensive inscriptions document military campaigns and large-scale land grants to Brahmins.
Tiruvalangadu Plates
This collection narrates the military victories of Rajendra Chola I, including his celebrated northern expedition reaching the Ganga river.
Anbil Copper Plates
Associated with Sundara Chola, these records preserve valuable information about early Chola genealogy, governance, and important officials of the kingdom.
Source : MEA